Achromats for Precision Light Transport Systems

Achromatic Lens

Achromatic Lens

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Sold by: Union Optic Ships from: China
Specifications
Mounting: Mounted, Unmounted
Optimal Wavelength Range: 450 – 650 nm
Diameter: 25.4 mm
Focal Length: 50 mm
Achromat Type: Triplet, Doublet

Did You Know?

Did you know that a well-designed visible achromatic doublet can reduce axial chromatic aberration by more than an order of magnitude compared with a simple singlet of the same focal length and f-number, typically bringing the secondary spectrum down to just a few micrometers at the image plane? This is achieved by pairing glasses with opposite dispersion (e.g., crown and flint) so that their Abbe numbers and curvatures satisfy the condition Φ1/V1 + Φ2/V2 ≈ 0, forcing two wavelengths (often ~486 nm and ~656 nm) to share the same focal plane. A common misconception is that achromats are “color perfect” across the entire spectrum— in reality, they are optimally corrected only over a specified band, and residual secondary and lateral color must be considered in broadband or NIR/SWIR imaging designs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

An achromat (achromatic doublet) is a compound lens, typically made by cementing or air-spacing a positive crown glass element with a negative flint glass element to correct chromatic aberration at two wavelengths, usually the F (486 nm) and C (656 nm) lines. Compared with a singlet lens, an achromat significantly reduces axial color and spherical aberration near its design wavelengths, yielding a tighter focal spot and improved image quality over a defined spectral band.

Achromats for Broadband Light Transport

Achromats are compound lenses engineered to bring two wavelengths, typically in the visible spectrum, to a common focus. For light transport applications, Achromats minimize axial and lateral chromatic aberration, maintaining beam quality over finite conjugate distances. They are commonly constructed from crown and flint glass pairs with optimized curvatures and air-spaced or cemented configurations.

On FindLight you can source Achromats tailored for relay systems, imaging relays, and fiber coupling setups where multi-wavelength performance is required. These elements are well suited for laser beam delivery, illumination paths, and general-purpose light transport in laboratory and OEM instruments.

Typical Specifications of Achromats

Key parameters for selecting Achromats include:

  • Diameter: Common sizes range from 5 mm to 50 mm, with tight tolerances on outer diameter and centration to support precise alignment in mounts.
  • Focal length: Available focal lengths span from short (10–25 mm) for compact relays to long (100 mm and above) for collimation and beam expansion, often specified at 546 nm or 587.6 nm.
  • Substrate materials: Pairings such as BK7 with F2 or equivalent glasses are typical; low-autofluorescence or low-OH glasses may be used for specific laser lines.
  • Coatings: Achromats are offered with uncoated, single-layer, or broadband AR coatings optimized for VIS (400–700 nm), VIS-NIR (400–1000 nm), or custom bands.
  • Surface quality and figure: Scratch-dig (e.g., 40-20 or better), surface irregularity (e.g., λ/4), and power specifications determine suitability for high-resolution light transport and imaging.
  • Clear aperture and edge thickness: Important for minimizing vignetting and managing path length in dense optical assemblies.

Use Cases and Buyer Guidance

Achromats are deployed in relay telescopes, tube lenses, illumination trains, and coupling optics where multi-line sources or broadband LEDs are used. In laser systems, they help maintain focus for harmonics or for tunable sources across a defined band, improving throughput and spot quality in the light transport path.

When sourcing Achromats on FindLight, compare focal length, working wavelength range, numerical aperture, and AR coating bandwidth against your system requirements. Check substrate compatibility with your laser power, potential thermal load, and environmental constraints. Review mechanical dimensions to ensure fit with existing lens mounts and housings.

For each listing, you can examine detailed datasheets, then request quotes or technical clarifications from multiple manufacturers. Achromats can be evaluated side by side, and you can contact suppliers directly through FindLight without registration, streamlining procurement for your next light transport design.